Tiger Woods and his wife Elin Nordegren divorced today following months of lurid speculation about the state of their relationship.

The marriage was dissolved at a court in Florida after an unusually large number of women came forward and claimed to have had sexual relations with the golfer.

The sportsman's infidelity came to light in December last year after Woods crashed his Cadillac Escalade at his home near Orlando. The authorities reported the unusual detail that his wife, Elin Nordegren Woods, had broken the vehicle's back window with a golf club.

Before long a tide of "kiss and tells" hit the American tabloid press and Woods's reputation as a clean-living family man was in tatters.

Confirming the divorce tonight, the couple released the following statement: "We are sad that our marriage is over and we wish each other the very best for the future. While we are no longer married, we are the parents of two wonderful children and their happiness has been, and will always be, of paramount importance to both of us.

"Once we came to the decision that our marriage was at an end, the primary focus of our amicable discussions has been to ensure their future well-being. The weeks and months ahead will not be easy for them as we adjust to a new family situation, which is why our privacy must be a principal concern."

The couple will share custody of their children, their lawyers said.

Woods has apologised in public several times for his behaviour. Last year he issued a statement at a press conference saying: "I am deeply aware of the disappointment and hurt that my infidelity has caused to so many people, most of all my wife and children.

"I want to say again to everyone that I am profoundly sorry and that I ask forgiveness. It may not be possible to repair the damage I've done, but I want to do my best to try.

"I need to focus my attention on being a better husband, father, and person."